The Stag at the Pool

A thirsty Stag went down to a pool to drink. As he bent over the
surface he saw his own reflection in the water, and was struck with
admiration for his fine spreading antlers, but at the same time he
felt nothing but disgust for the weakness and slenderness of his
legs. While he stood there looking at himself, he was seen and
attacked by a Lion; but in the chase which ensued, he soon drew
away from his pursuer, and kept his lead as long as the ground over
which he ran was open and free of trees. But coming presently to a
wood, he was caught by his antlers in the branches, and fell a
victim to the teeth and claws of his enemy. "Woe is me!" he cried
with his last breath; "I despised my legs, which might have saved
my life: but I gloried in my horns, and they have proved my
ruin."